Height adjustable multi-position bench and massage platform

ABSTRACT

A bench with a height adjustable top assembly that functions both as a massage platform when in the raised position and a bench for seating when in the lowered position and is designed with the aesthetic characteristics of furniture that can be left in place when not in use as a massage platform. The massage platform is raised into position by lifting the ends of the massage platform top assembly. The manual power assist assembly provides assistance when raising the top assembly. When not in use as a massage platform the top assembly can be lowered to rest on the base assembly and can be used for seating. Further, a portion of the top assembly massage platform can be raised providing a back rest with multiple reclining positions.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. provisional patent application, Ser. No. 61/538,803, filed Sep. 24, 2011, for BENCH MASSAGE TABLE, by Martin Husslage, included by reference herein and for which benefit of the priority date is hereby claimed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to massage tables, specifically to a height adjustment mechanism for the massage platform and improved esthetic appearance.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Since the invention of the massage platform a form providing a useful function when being used for a massage and when not being utilized for the massage function with the esthetic appearance that is acceptable in most offices and homes has been desired. However, until now, massage platforms have been in a form that has been unusable for a seating function when not being utilized for the massage function forcing the user to store the platform in another location until required for a massage if the space occupied by the massage platform is to be used for another function. Also, the current form of massage platforms does not fit esthetically with most office and home decors thus requiring the user to store the unit in another location until required for use when it must be retrieved, with some requiring manual setup, adding time and complexity to the massage event.

Currently massage tables exist in a collapsible table, single use platform and kneeling forms.

The following prior art reflects the state of the art of which the applicant is aware and is included within to discharge the applicant's acknowledge duty to disclose relevant prior art. This is stipulated, however, that none of these references teach singly nor render obvious when considered in conceivable combination the nexus of the instant invention as disclosed in greater detail hereinafter and as particularly claimed.

Pat. No. Issue Date Inventor 5,676,062 Oct. 14, 1997 John T Lloyd 7,036,437 May 2, 2006 Kwan Jun Choi, Kwang Ho Baik 5,490,298 Feb. 13, 1996 Aaron Goldsmith, Craig Adams 3,227,112 Jan. 4, 1966 Joseph Wiseman 4,526,346 Jul. 2, 1985 James J. Galloway, Albert E. Blanchard D555249 Nov. 13, 2007 Jon Roleder, Richard Estrada 7,631,940 Dec. 15, 2009 Barbara K. Jager 2,765,479 Oct. 9, 1956 John G. Sevcik D552738 Oct. 9, 2007 Keith Helfet

Portable Massage Tables

Portable massage tables are very useful for those requiring the unit be highly transportable. However the form of the portable massage table is such that it is esthetically incompatible in most office and home spaces and is typically stored in another location when not in use. Some collapsible massage tables provide some height adjustability allowing it to be adjusted to a comfortable height for the user. However the height adjustment is too limited to allow it to be adjusted to a comfortable seating height.

Stationary Massage and Clinical Single Use Tables

Stationary massage and clinical single use tables are suitable in the spa and clinical environment where the space for a stationary table would not be allocated for any other function. Some stationary massage and clinical tables provide the ability to adjust the height for the comfort of the user. However the height adjustment is limited to a vertical range insufficient to lower the top surface height to a comfortable seating position.

Electric Height Adjustability

A number of massage tables provide an electrically driven height mechanism adjustment mechanism. However this can limit the placement of the unit as it must be connected to an electrical outlet for the height adjustment to function.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a manual configuration, multi-position, and seating and massage platform with the aesthetic characteristics of furniture allowing it to be left in place when not in use for the massage function.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a manually operated mechanism that allows simple configuration of the riser top assembly from the lower seating position to a raised massage platform position.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a mechanism that provides manual power assistance for transitioning the riser top assembly between the lowered seating position and a raised massage platform position.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a mechanism that automatically vertically aligns the riser top assembly to the base assembly when the riser top assembly is in the lowered and an elevated position above the base assembly providing maximum stability of the platform in all positions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a bench with a height adjustable riser top assembly that functions both as a massage platform when in the raised position and a bench for seating when in the lowered position and is designed with the aesthetic characteristics of furniture that can be left in place when not in use as a massage platform.

The massage platform is raised into position by manually lifting each end of the riser top assembly. As the riser top assembly is being lifted the support assembly which attaches the platform top assembly to the base assembly, pivots to the fully extended position and is locked in place for use as a massage platform. The manual power assist assembly provides power assistance when raising the top assembly.

When not in use as a massage platform the top assembly can be lowered to rest on the base assembly and can be used for seating. When being lowered the bottom of support assembly is guided by the slide guide assembly to a position such that the top assembly is in alignment with the base assembly.

Further, a portion of the top assembly massage platform can be rotated into multiple inclined positions providing a back rest with multiple reclining positions. To raise the backrest assembly lift the end of the backrest assembly and rotate it to the desired recline angle. Lower it slightly and the back rest incline adjustment mechanism will lock into position. To lower the backrest assembly, rotate the back rest assembly to a near perpendicular position to release the locking mechanism and then lower the backrest assembly to the desired recline angle or flat position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A complete understanding of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings, when considered in conjunction with the subsequent, detailed description, in which:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of the invention with the riser top assembly in a raised position above the base assembly;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of an embodiment of the riser base assembly; and

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of an enlarge segment of the riser top assembly showing an embodiment of the top riser assembly manual assist mechanism.

For purposes of clarity and brevity, like elements and components will bear the same designations and numbering throughout the Figures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Detailed Description

FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of one embodiment of the height adjustable multi-position bench and massage platform 1.

The base assembly 10 typically consists of a perimeter frame 11 creating an internal volume. In this embodiment I have contemplated that the perimeter frame be supported by a number of perimeter frame supports 12 of such a length that the top of the base assembly 10 is slightly lower than the average seating height. In the preferred embodiment the base assembly 10 is made of wood however other materials of sufficient strength such as metal can be used.

The riser base support bar 13 is connected to the internal volume side of the perimeter frame 11 in a number of locations.

Two riser base assemblies 20 are attached to a riser base support bar 13 on either side of the perimeter frame 11 and are oriented such that the open end of the riser base assembly slide guide 21, shown in FIG. 2, open toward each other.

With the riser top assembly 30 in the raised position, as shown in FIG. 1, the lower end of the riser top assembly support mechanism 32 rests on the lower nylon strip 22 and between two riser base assembly slide guides 21.

At the riser top assembly back rest end 3 the top of the riser top assembly support mechanism 32 is pivotally connected to the riser top assembly frame 38. The riser top assembly support locking mechanism 31 is pivotally attached to both the riser top assembly frame 38 and the riser top assembly support mechanism 32.

At the riser top assembly back rest end 2 the top of the riser top assembly support mechanism 32 is pivotally connected to the riser top assembly frame 38. The riser top assembly support locking mechanism 31 is pivotally attached to both the riser top assembly top board 39 and the riser top assembly support mechanism 32.

The riser top assembly top board 39 is attached to the riser top assembly frame 38. The riser top assembly back rest 33 is pivotally attached to the riser top assembly top board 39 via hinge 37 located on both sides of the riser top assembly frame 38.

The back rest incline adjustment mechanism 35 is pivotally attached to the riser top assembly frame 38 and the riser top assembly back rest 33.

The head rest attach block 34 is attached in multiple locations to both the riser top assembly top board 39 and the riser top assembly back rest 33.

FIG. 2 shows an isometric view of one embodiment of the riser base assembly.

This embodiment of the riser base assembly slide guide 21 is comprised of a U shaped channel made of metal with a strip of nylon adhered to the opposite inner sides of the U channel. However the riser base assembly slide guide can be made from other materials with sufficient strength such as fiberglass and other lower friction materials such as plastic can applied to the sides of the riser base assembly slide guide 21.

A riser base assembly slide guide lower position stop 23 is attached to the open end of each riser base assembly slide guide 21.

FIG. 3 shows an isometric view of one embodiment of the riser top assembly manual power assist 36 mechanism.

This embodiment of the riser top assembly manual power assist 36 mechanism shows a bungee cord attached to the riser base assembly 20 and the riser top assembly support locking mechanism 31. However the riser top assembly manual power assist 36 mechanism can be made from other materials with sufficient strength such metal springs.

Detailed Description of the Operation of this Embodiment.

With the riser top assembly 30 and the riser top assembly back rest 33 in their lowered positions the riser top assembly top board 39 and the riser top assembly back rest 33 rest on top of the base assembly 10.

The riser top assembly back rest 33 can be rotated into an incline position by rotating the end of the riser top assembly back rest 33 to the desired position and releasing it locking it into that position. The riser top assembly back rest 33 can be lowered from an inclined position by rotating the riser top assembly back rest to a near vertical position and then lowering it to the next desired incline position.

The riser top assembly 30 can be raised to a massage platform position above the base assembly 10 by lifting the riser top assembly top board 39 at the riser top assembly top board end 2 to the fully raised position and engaging the riser top assembly support locking mechanism 31. The riser top assembly back rest end 3 of the riser top assembly 30 is then raised to the fully raised position and the riser top assembly support locking mechanism 31 is engaged.

The riser top assembly 30 can be lowered to the seating position by disengaging the riser top assembly support locking mechanism 31 at the riser top assembly top board end 2 and lowering the riser top assembly top board 39 to rest on the base assembly 10 and then disengaging riser top assembly support locking mechanism 31 at the riser top assembly back rest end 3 and lowering the riser top assembly 30 to rest on the base assembly 10.

Alternative Embodiments

There are various possible embodiments with regard to the riser base assembly slide guide 21 mechanism which for example could include a number of recessed pockets along the lower side of the riser base assembly slide guide 21 enabling multiple height positions of the riser top assembly above the base assembly 10 while maintaining vertical alignment between the base assembly 10 and the riser top assembly 30.

There are various possible embodiments with regard to the riser top assembly support mechanism 32 which for example could be comprised of an electronic or hydraulic mechanism for elevating the riser top assembly to a height suitable for the massage platform.

There are various possible embodiments with regard to the riser top assembly top board 39 which for example could include the ability for a portion of the riser top assembly top board 39 to be elevated above the riser top assembly frame 38 to provide an inclined seating area.

Advantages

From the description above, a number of advantages of some of the embodiments of the height adjustable multi-position bench and massage platform become evident:

a) the riser top assembly 30 is vertically aligned to the base assembly 10 when the riser top assembly 30 is in the lower seating and elevated massage platform positions providing the maximum stability of the platform

b) provides a mechanism that allows simple configuration of the riser top assembly 30 between the seating and massage platform positions

c) provides manual power assistance for transitioning the riser top assembly 30 between the seated position and the massage platform position.

d) provides a manual configuration, multi-position, seating and massage platform with the aesthetic characteristics of furniture allowing it to be left in place when not in use for the massage function

Thus the reader will see that at least one embodiment of the height adjustable multi-position bench and massage platform 1 provides additional seating and a massage platform that is easily configurable requiring no electricity to operate and is in a form that is esthetically compatible with most home and office decors.

While the above description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limitation on the scope, but rather as an exemplification of one proffered embodiment thereof. Many other variations are possible.

Accordingly, the scope should be determined not by the embodiment illustrated but by the appended claims and their supportal equivalents.

Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not considered limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclosure, and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this invention.

Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be protected by Letters Patent is presented in the subsequently appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A height adjustable multi-position bench and massage platform for providing a configurable multi-position seating area when in the lowered position and a configurable multi-position message platform when in the raised position, comprising: means for providing a horizontal guide for the riser top assembly support mechanism translating the vertical motion of the riser top assembly into horizontal positioning of the riser top assembly support mechanism while maintaining vertical alignment of the riser top assembly with the base assembly; means for providing a connection between the riser top assembly and the riser base assembly tangentially connecting the lower end of the riser top assembly support mechanism with the riser base assembly and rotationally connecting the top end of the riser top assembly support mechanism with the riser top assembly frame; means for providing vertical alignment of the riser top assembly with the base assembly when the riser top assembly is in the lowered position, rigidly connected to said riser base assembly slide guide; and means for reducing the physical energy required to manipulate the riser top assembly into a position above the base assembly,
 2. The height adjustable multi-position bench and massage platform in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for providing a horizontal guide for the riser top assembly support mechanism translating the vertical motion of the riser top assembly into horizontal positioning of the riser top assembly support mechanism while maintaining vertical alignment of the riser top assembly with the base assembly comprises a riser base assembly.
 3. The height adjustable multi-position bench and massage platform in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for providing connectivity between the riser top assembly and the riser base assembly comprises a riser top assembly support mechanism.
 4. The height adjustable multi-position bench and massage platform in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for providing vertical alignment of the riser top assembly with the base assembly when the riser top assembly is in the lowered position comprises a riser base assembly slide guide lower position stop.
 5. The height adjustable multi-position bench and massage platform in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for reducing the physical energy required to manipulate the riser top assembly into a position above the base assembly comprises a riser top assembly manual power assist.
 6. A height adjustable multi-position bench and massage platform for providing a configurable multi-position seating area when in the lowered position and a configurable multi-position message platform when in the raised position, comprising: a riser base assembly, for providing a horizontal guide for the riser top assembly support mechanism translating the vertical motion of the riser top assembly into horizontal positioning of the riser top assembly support mechanism while maintaining vertical alignment of the riser top assembly with of the base assembly; a riser top assembly support mechanism, for providing a means to connect the riser top assembly with the riser base assembly, tangentially connected to said riser base assembly; a riser base assembly slide guide lower position stop, for providing vertical alignment of the riser top assembly with the base assembly when the riser top assembly is in the lowered position, rigidly connected to said riser base assembly; and a riser top assembly manual power assist, for reducing the physical energy required to manipulate the riser top assembly into a position above the base assembly.
 7. The height adjustable multi-position bench and massage platform as recited in claim 6, further comprising: a riser top assembly, for providing a support for the top riser assembly top board and an attachment point for the riser top assembly support mechanism, rotationally connected to said riser top assembly support mechanism.
 8. The height adjustable multi-position bench and massage platform as recited in claim 6, further comprising: a riser top assembly support locking mechanism, for locking the riser top assembly support mechanism in place when raised to the desired height.
 9. A height adjustable multi-position bench and massage platform for providing a configurable multi-position seating area when in the lowered position and a configurable multi-position message platform when in the raised position, comprising: a riser base assembly, for providing a horizontal guide for the riser top assembly support mechanism translating the vertical motion of the riser top assembly into horizontal positioning of the riser top assembly support mechanism while maintaining vertical alignment of the riser top assembly with the base assembly; a riser top assembly, for providing a support for the top riser assembly top board and an attachment point for the riser top assembly support mechanism; a riser top assembly support mechanism, for providing a means to connect the riser top assembly, rotationally connected to said riser top assembly, and tangentially connected to said riser base assembly; a riser top assembly support locking mechanism, for locking the riser top assembly support mechanism in place when raised to the desired height; a riser base assembly slide guide lower position stop, for providing vertical alignment of the riser top assembly with the base assembly when the riser top assembly is in the lowered position, rigidly connected to said riser base assembly; and a riser top assembly manual power assist, for reducing the physical energy required to manipulate the riser top assembly into a position above the base assembly. 